The word "glottalized" is spelled with two T's because it is pronounced with a double glottal stop. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation is written as [ɡlɒtəlaɪzd], where the symbol ʔ represents a glottal stop. This means that the airflow is abruptly stopped and released through the vocal cords, producing a distinctive sound. The double T in the spelling reflects the double glottal stop in the pronunciation, making it an important aspect of the word's spelling.
Glottalized is an adjective that refers to a specific phonetic feature or articulation in speech sounds. It describes a sound that is produced with an abrupt stoppage or closure of the vocal folds in the glottis, resulting in a momentary interruption of airflow through the vocal tract. This closure leads to a buildup of air pressure behind the closed glottis, which is then released in a burst when the articulation is released.
In glottalized sounds, the closure at the glottis can occur at various points during the production of a sound, including at the beginning, middle, or end. For example, a glottalized consonant might be produced by initiating the closure of the vocal folds before or during the main articulation of a sound, creating a distinct perceivable release or aspiration.
These types of sounds are commonly found in many languages around the world, either as independent phonemes or allophonic variations of certain consonants. They can contribute to the overall phonemic or phonetic differences between words. Glottalization can also be used for other purposes, such as marking a specific emphasis or intensity in speech, or even as a distinct phonetic feature in certain accents or dialects.
Overall, glottalized refers to a speech sound that involves the closure or release of the vocal folds in the glottis, which can lead to alterations in sound quality, duration, or phonemic distinctions.
The word "glottalized" is derived from two components: "glottal" and the suffix "-ized".
1. Glottal: This term is related to the glottis, which is a part of the human vocal apparatus. The glottis is the space between the vocal cords in the larynx. It is instrumental in creating various sounds in languages, including glottal stops. The word "glottal" refers to anything related to or involving the glottis.
2. -ized: This is a suffix commonly used in English to convert a noun or adjective into a verb. When added to a word, it typically means to "cause to become", "to make", or "to treat as". In the case of "glottalized", the suffix is added to "glottal" to indicate the action or process of making or treating something glottal.